Mariana Llorens Zabala
Mariana is a Junior Research Fellow at NUPI and works on the Training for Peace Programme, in the Research group on peace, conflict and development.
Mariana earned a master's degree in Human Rights Law in 2018 with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, focusing on the Law of Armed Conflict and ad-hoc legal measures for conflict resolution. She recently completed an additional master’s degree in Advanced Studies of Terrorism with a focus on radicalisation processes in armed conflict. During her studies she conducted extensive research on groups such as Al Shabab, Boko Haram and AQIM.
Mariana previously worked directly with victims of armed conflict at St. Andrews Refugee Services (StARS) in Egypt, conducted research for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London and worked at the Spanish Embassy in Jordan. Her main research interests include the work of the African Union, peace operations, non-state armed groups activities and protection of civilians with a geographical focus on sub-saharan Africa.
Education
2020-2022 MA in Advanced Studies of Terrorism
2017-2018 MA in Human Rights Law
2013-2016 BA in Politics and International Relations
Work Experience
2021- Junior Research Fellow, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
2020 Protection and Resettlement Legal Advisor at St. Andrews Refugee Services
2019 Researcher, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
2017 Intern, Spanish Embassy in Amman
2017 Project Coordinator, Acting for Change
Publications All publications
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Assessing the Effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force
Publication | 2023The overall assessment is that the MNJTF is, to a degree, effectively attaining its mandate priorities. As a result of the efforts of the MNJTF there1
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A quest to win the hearts and minds: Assessing the Effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force
Publication | 2023In January 2015, the African Union (AU) authorised the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as a regional security arrangement of the Lake Chad Ba1
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The African Union’s Civilian Strategic Support Group
Publication | 2022Since 2006, the African Union has played an active role in strengthening civilian engagement across its Peace Support Operations (PSOs) through the d1
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Shifting from External Dependency: Remodelling the G5 Sahel Joint Force for the Future
Publication | 2022After a decade of battling jihadist and violent extremist groups in West Africa, France has initiated the restructuring and relocation of its largest1
Projects All projects
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Training for Peace 2020 - 2025 (TfP)
Research project | 2020 - 2025 (Ongoing)In its new phase (2020-2025) the TfP will strengthen its partnership and collaboration with the African Union, by providing applied research, policy support and capacity-building....
Articles All articles
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TfP and EPON Research Team visit the MNJTF in Chad
28 Aug 2022TfP and EPON Research Team visit the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Lake Chad Basin Commission in N´Djamena to conduct research on the effect1
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Meeting about the evolving conflict and security environment in Africa
23 Jun 2022The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the Training for Peace (TfP) Programme were pleased to welcome the African Union Commissi1
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Visit with Former President Chissano
20 Jun 2022As part of an official visit to Oslo, Former President Joaquim Alberto Chissano visited NUPI on 20 June, 2022.
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Peace, Conflict and Development
3 Jan 2022What can we do to prevent war? How can countries emerging from conflict avoid relapse? How well do international peace operations actually work?
